U.S. Media: The "Lincoln" Aircraft Carrier Ends Middle East Mission and Sets Sail for Return to America

Xinhua News Agency, Washington, August 20 - According to a report by the New York Times on the 20th, the USS Lincoln aircraft carrier has departed from the Middle East, concluding approximately nine months of overseas deployment primarily supporting U.S. military operations against Iran, and will return to its home port in San Diego, California.

The report states that a U.S. official confirmed the news of the Lincoln's departure from the Middle East. The USS Washington, homeported in Japan, has taken over the Lincoln's mission in the region. Based on the estimated travel time, the Lincoln is expected to take about four to five weeks to return to San Diego.

The Lincoln began its planned deployment last November and was redirected to the Middle East in January to participate in U.S. military operations against Iran and maritime blockades. The New York Times reported that during the 272-day deployment, aside from brief supply stops in Guam and Oman, the Lincoln spent the majority of its time on combat duty at sea, with approximately 5,000 sailors aboard not receiving regular rest.

Recently, it was revealed that sailors aboard the Lincoln have been facing living conditions and mental health issues due to the high-intensity operational tempo and prolonged deployment, with several individuals reportedly experiencing mental breakdowns and attempting to jump overboard. The U.S. Central Command reported on the 13th that a sailor from the Lincoln fell overboard on the 3rd and has since been rescued.